How to protect your mental health as a Property Manager in 2025

Property Management

How to protect your mental health as a Property Manager in 2025

The property management industry is demanding. Juggling the needs of Tenants, Owners and a high volume of properties, can leave Property Managers feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and burned out. This can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being. According to Beyond Blue, mental health concerns are prevalent in Australia, with nearly one in five individuals experiencing poor mental health each year. In many instances, poor mental health can be attributed to workplace pressures. While significant strides have been made in improving workplace mental health in Australia, there remains significant room for further progress.

The Australian economy faces a substantial financial strain due to poor mental health, with the Australian Government Productivity Commission estimating annual costs between a staggering $12.2 billion and $22.5 billion.

This blog post will explore some common mental health challenges faced by Property Managers in the workplace and offer practical strategies for proactive self-care throughout the year.

Burnout

Burnout is a serious state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion that occurs when individuals are subjected to prolonged or excessive stress. A staggering 61% of Australian workers report experiencing burnout, significantly higher than the global average of 48%. This alarming trend has serious consequences, with burnout now contributing to 40% of employee resignations. Causes of burnout can range from improper work-life balance to unclear job expectations. It’s more than just feeling tired; burnout manifests as a complex syndrome characterised by feelings of cynicism, detachment and a reduced sense of accomplishment. 

Individuals experiencing burnout may feel emotionally drained, lacking motivation and struggling to find joy in activities they once enjoyed. They may also experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia and changes in appetite. Burnout is a significant concern for Property Managers, often stemming from the constant pressure of juggling demanding tasks, dealing with challenging tenant interactions and navigating unforeseen emergencies.

Steps to combat burnout

  • Set boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Learn to say “no” to unreasonable requests and prioritise your well-being.
  • Build a support system: Connect with other Property Managers, colleagues or friends who understand the industry’s challenges. Share your experiences, offer support to each other and seek guidance when needed.
  • Create a plan for work-life balance: Integrate healthy habits into your daily routine, such as regular exercise, healthy eating and sufficient sleep. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day and plan enjoyable activities outside of work.

In our previous blog post, we explore some practical strategies that property management companies can implement to promote employee well-being.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a pervasive feeling of worry, nervousness or unease, often triggered by concerns about imminent events or uncertain outcomes. This can manifest in various ways, such as racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, restlessness and even physical symptoms like muscle tension and sleep disturbances. A startling statistic reveals that one in five Australians have taken time off work due to feeling stressed or anxious within the past year. This figure skyrockets to 46% among those who believe their workplace is not mentally healthy, highlighting the critical role of workplace culture in employee well-being. In the property management context, anxiety can arise from concerns about meeting deadlines, dealing with challenging requests or maintaining property standards. 

Steps to manage anxiety

  • Meditation and deep breathing: Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be helpful.
  • Take a break, outside: Step away from your desk and spend time in nature. A short walk or sitting in a park can do wonders for your mental well-being.
  • Be honest with your manager: If work-related factors are contributing to your anxiety, communicate openly and honestly with your manager about your concerns.

Frustration

Frustration is a normal human emotion, often arising from perceived obstacles or unmet expectations. When these feelings become chronic, they can significantly impact our mood, productivity and overall well-being. 

Common symptoms of chronic frustration include irritability, impatience, difficulty concentrating and increased sensitivity to perceived slights. Causes can also range from feeling a lack of control to unmet expectations. Internal factors, such as perfectionism, unrealistic expectations and a lack of assertiveness, can also contribute significantly. Mental health frustration among young workers (18-34) has been deteriorating over the last decade. In the demanding field of property management, numerous factors can contribute to feelings of frustration. Navigating complex lease agreements, unforeseen maintenance problems and resolving disputes can be emotionally draining and lead to feelings of powerlessness and frustration.

Steps to manage frustration

  • Vent to a trusted companion: Share your frustrations with a friend, family member or mentor. Talking about your concerns can help you gain perspective and find solutions.
  • Create an action plan: Identify the root cause of your frustration and develop a plan to address it. Break down large problems into smaller, more manageable tasks.
  • Remind yourself that the feeling is temporary: Frustration is a temporary emotion. Acknowledge your feelings, but don’t let them consume you. Remind yourself that this feeling will eventually pass.

Stress

Stress is a natural human response to challenges and demands. While short-term stress can be motivating, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Common physical symptoms of stress include headaches, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, fatigue and digestive issues. Mentally, chronic stress can manifest as irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and changes in mood, such as feeling overwhelmed, restless or irritable. 

A variety of causes can contribute to stress such as work demands, life changes, relationship issues and financial concerns. A concerning 81% of Australian workers silently grapple with stress and burnout, emphasising the urgent need for workplaces to prioritise employee mental health. In property management, sources of chronic stress include tight deadlines, demanding tenants and the constant pressure of maintaining property standards. The unpredictable nature of the industry, with potential emergencies and legal challenges, further exacerbates stress levels.

Steps to manage stress

  • Connect with others: Spend quality time with loved ones, engage in social activities and join community groups.
  • Get in daily movement: Regular exercise, such as walking, jogging or yoga, can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
  • Reconnect with hobbies from your youth: Engaging in hobbies you enjoy can provide a much-needed escape from work stress and help you relax and recharge.

In addition to the strategies mentioned above, establishing a regular morning routine can be a powerful tool for managing stress and improving overall well-being.

Imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and skills, despite evidence of their success. It manifests as persistent feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt and the belief that one’s success is undeserved or due to luck rather than genuine ability. Individuals experiencing Imposter Syndrome may attribute their achievements to external factors, minimise their accomplishments and fear being “found out” as a fraud. They may also experience anxiety, perfectionism and a strong need for external validation. 

The general causes of imposter syndrome are high standards and expectations of yourself, lack of recognition and comparing yourself to others. According to SEEK research, imposter syndrome is a common experience, affecting nearly half of Australians. With 55% of women and 47% of men experiencing these feelings of inadequacy, it’s clear that imposter syndrome is a significant challenge for many in the workplace.

Steps to overcome imposter syndrome

  • Reframe your thoughts: Challenge negative self-talk and reframe your thoughts more positively and realistically. Focus on your accomplishments and strengths.
  • Journal: Regularly journaling can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns. It can also serve as a reminder of your accomplishments and progress.
  • Celebrate your successes throughout the year: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This will help build your confidence and self-esteem.

By implementing these strategies and prioritising self-care, Property Managers can improve their mental well-being, increase their resilience and enhance their overall job satisfaction. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s essential for long-term health and success.